National Institute of, Environmental Health SciencesHealth disparities exist between citizens of lower socioeconomic status (including minorities and other medically underserved citizens) and those more economically advantaged. Examples where health disparities exist include: shorter life expectancy, higher cancer rates, more birth defects, greater infant mortality, and higher incidence of asthma, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. These health discrepancies involve increased morbidity and mortality rates associated with increased incidences of disease. The ways in which poverty and other factors create these health disparities are still poorly understood. There is increasing evidence that these groups are burdened with a disproportionate share of residential and occupational exposure to hazardous substances such as lead, PCBs, wood dusts, and air pollutants. Thus, both social and physical environmental exposures represent an important area of investigation for understanding and ameliorating the health disparities suffered by the disadvantaged of this nation.DisparitiesoutreachinterventionsserviceResearchhealth disparitiesenvironmental health sciencesOther